On Thursday, February 4th, 2021, Jack Walsh, a cherished husband, father, and papa passed away suddenly at the age of 68. Born in Newcastle, Jack was raised in Bridgetown. He was a proud Miramichier and a true gentleman. Jack was the son of the late Joe and Doreen (Hare) Walsh and grandson of his beloved Nana Pearl. Jack is survived by his wife of 40 years, Brenda (Blackmore), his daughters Becky (Doyle) and Katie, his favourite son-in-law or, as he referred to him, the son he always wanted, Will, and a little girl that he loved more than anything in the whole world, his grand-daughter, Andie. Jack was a proud older brother to Roy (Bettina), Terry (Elsie), and Julie. He leaves behind his in-laws, Sterling and Margie Blackmore, his brothers-in-law Greg (Brenda) and David (Carole), his sisters-in-law Debbie (Terry) and Kim (Wayne), and he was Uncle Jack to many nieces and nephews who he loved dearly. Jack was the most loyal friend especially to his “judicial life partner”, Fred, his fishing buddies (Tom, Pat, Mike, Bob M, Ross, Gordie, and the late Bob W and Stevie), the Florida crew, and his Brothers and Sisters on the Bench.

After high school, Jack, or Justice Walsh as he preferred his friends call him, worked for a year at the Mill to save up money to attend STU. Many thought he was crazy to give up a steady paycheck to attend University, but he had big dreams. He was a student athlete (volleyball) and worked extremely hard towards his Bachelor of Arts and was accepted into Law School during his third year. He graduated, passed the Bar exam, and moved back to Miramichi to give back to the community he adored as a lawyer in private practice for 10 years. In 1987, he became Crown Prosecutor and, within a few years, would be involved in a case that would shape his entire professional life – being one of the first lawyers in Canada to introduce DNA evidence during a murder trial. Shortly thereafter, being known as one of Canada’s leading experts on DNA evidence, Jack was seconded to the Federal Department of Justice in Ottawa to assist in the development of the Federal DNA legislation. He has contributed articles and book chapters to both legal and scientific publications. He was a long-standing faculty member of the Canadian Federation of Law Societies National Criminal Law Program. Proudly, he received his Queen’s Counsel in 2001. He was then appointed Regional Crown Counsel in 2003. Unsurprisingly, he was the recipient of many awards. As he progressed in his career, he thought that his dream of becoming a judge would not come to fruition, but in December 2008 he was appointed a Judge of the Provincial Court and, less than a year later, in September 2009, a Justice of the Court of Queen’s Bench. When he was appointed to the bench, the then Minister of Justice heralded him as “one of the best in the profession”. He sets the example that working hard, accomplishing your goals and achieving your dreams, all while giving your heart and soul to your family, is possible.

He was a selfless, kind, unassuming man who showed relentless passion towards everyone and everything he loved. When he didn’t have a book in his hand, he was out in the shed checking for a Sou’West wind on his weathervane. He especially loved May/June when he could spend some time at Island Lake and on the Nor’West hoping to intercept that June salmon. But the cast and blast nature of the Fall held a special place in his heart and where he would recite some of his most beloved poetry. In true Jack fashion, his last day on the river, he was able to net his granddaughter’s first ever salmon. Speaking of things Jack loved, the Montreal Canadiens, “Les Glorieux!”, his Habs were probably only second to the love for his precious granddaughter. He was set up for every big game in his Habs room complete with his recliner, his Budweiser light, a cold beer, and even a blessed St. Anne’s candle that he only ever lit once.

Last, but certainly not least, Jack had so much love and pride for his family. He spoke about his wife with a sparkle in his eye and would tell you that she certainly ruled the roost! He was the best Daddy – a “girl dad” in every sense of the word – he loved and protected his girls fiercely. He spent every free minute cheering on his daughters at swim meets and volleyball tournaments. However, he wasn’t very sympathetic when it came to injuries. On more than one occasion he would say, “Is the bone sticking out? No? Well then get back out there!” He could always find the words to express this love as was witnessed during his Father of the Bride speeches at his daughters’ weddings when he had everyone, including the serving staff, in tears.

Jack certainly left his mark.

There is no better way to end this than with a few lines of poetry, and as a Past President of the Kinsmen, with The Final Toast:

“I come into peace of wild things and for a time, I am free.”

- The Peace Wild Things by Wendell Berry

“Happy to meet, sorry to part, happy to meet again!”

- The Final Toast

Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated from St. Michael's Basilica on Saturday, August 7, 2021 at 1:00 PM with Father John Fraser officiating. Immediately after the service there will be a private burial. A celebration of life to follow at the Kin Centre, 100 Newcastle Blvd. All are welcome.

In lieu of flowers, cheer for the Habs or, if you’re a Leafs fan, make a donation to the Miramichi Salmon Association.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Bell’s Funeral Home, 651 King George Highway, Miramichi. Telephone: 622-3600. Messages of condolence as well as donations may be made on our website: www.bellsmeadows.com.